Cloud Cost Optimization Checklist (Mid-Market 2026)

Use this checklist to run a first-pass cloud cost optimization for mid-market AWS, GCP, or Azure spend. For a structured audit and prioritized fix list, see our FinOps audit guide (2026).

Rightsizing

• Identify over-provisioned instances (low CPU/memory utilization over 14+ days).
• Downsize or switch to burstable/spot where workload allows.
• Review RDS/database instance and storage sizing; check for unused replicas.

Storage

• Move cold data to cheaper tiers (S3 IA/Glacier, GCS Nearline/Coldline, Azure Cool/Archive).
• Delete unattached volumes, old snapshots, and abandoned buckets.
• Turn on lifecycle policies for logs and temp data.

Egress & data transfer

• Review egress by region and service; see how to reduce egress costs (CDN/WAF).
• Use CDN for static assets; consider WAF/edge where it cuts origin load.

Reservations & commitments

• Check Reserved Instance / Savings Plans / committed use coverage vs. baseline usage.
• Align commitment term with actual runway (1-year vs 3-year).

Quick wins

• Turn off dev/test outside business hours (scheduler or auto-shutdown).
• Tag resources for cost allocation and showback.
• Set billing alerts and anomaly detection.